DELMIA Mechanical Device Builder

Define Mechanical Devices for use in 3D Process Planning and Validation

DELMIA Mechanical Device Builder (MDB) enables users to create virtual mechanical devices for downstream planning and simulation. Resource designers can leverage MDB’s intuitive user interface to define all the types of mechanical devices used in a manufacturing setting, from simple clamps to complex robots and lift-assist equipment. Once a device model is validated, it can be saved to a resource catalog. Planners, programmers, and simulation engineers can use it to define, optimize, and validate manufacturing plans.

Collaborate seamlessly across the extended enterprise

Safely validate mechanical devices in a Version 6 3D environment

Discover and resolve resource related issues early

Capture and re-use resource IP

Easily create any device type

Create and validate kinematic models of manufacturing devices

MDB provides a collection of easy-to-use tools for the creation of both forward and inverse kinematic devices. Using a library of mathematical operators, users can easily create equations when modeling advanced devices. They can jog individual joints or move the device’s Tool Center Point in 3D to validate the kinematic definition.

Create mechanical joints

MDB enables engineers to create revolute, prismatic, and other types of mechanical joints by selecting frames on the appropriate parts or part topology. The interface lets users create devices based on CAD part and assembly definitions with a limited number of clicks and easy-to-follow workflow.

Assign inverse kinematics to manufacturing devices

The inverse kinematics functionality allows devices to be driven by commanding tool positions instead of device joint positions. MDB provides support for automatic inverse kinematics solvers (generic and numeric) as well as device-specific solvers (for industrial machines based on manufacturer specifications). MDB also supports user-defined solvers for custom-made robots; users can define the inverse kinematic algorithm for special or experimental machines.

Define home positions and joint travel limits

Engineers can define joint values that correspond to states (home position) of the machine for use in manufacturing simulation. Joint travel limits let users specify range of motion for validation during simulation that can be different from the hard physical limits. For programming advanced mechanisms, the range of motion can be defined as a formula based on other joint values of the device.

Define motion controllers and manage motion groups

Users can define both motion controllers and motion groups. Motion controllers allow the end users to specify the grouping of different kinematics devices and the associated behavior. This enables the coordinated motion of resources such as a robot, a mounted weld gun, and an external positioning table working in tandem in a spot welding scenario. A new interface allows users to better create and manage the motion groups, enhancing the efficiency of using MDB for complex scenarios.

Customize controller profiles

MDB enables users to define preset controller settings (profiles) for tools, motion, and accuracy for manufacturing devices with inverse kinematics (such as industrial robots). These profiles allow the manufacturing resource to switch the device controller settings during simulation. It is also possible for users to define their own profile schemas. These profiles can be associated with instructions in the robot program and will be downloaded along with the program as part of the off-line programming translation.

When the definition of the device controller is modified, resource designers can synchronize the new controller definition with all the device instances used in process planning and detailing.

Define the work envelope for robot devices

Engineers can create a robot envelope within which all points are reachable with the selected tool profile. The envelope is used primarily to find the reachable position for the device. Work Envelopes created in V5 can also be easily imported into Version 6.

Automatically redefine the Tool Center Point when tooling is attached

A user-friendly, single-step procedure mounts an end-of-arm tooling device on a robot or a robot on a rail device. Once mounted, the Tool Center Point of the device is automatically redefined in accord with the mounted device’s profile.